Nitric oxide in cardiovascular disorders

Abstract

Nitric oxide derived from the vascular endothelium and other cells of the cardiovascular system has important roles in physiological regulation of blood flow and may have pathophysiological functions in cardiovascular disease. Nitric oxide can be synthesised from L-arginine by any of three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and its interaction with prostacyclin, its proposed mechanisms of action and cytotoxicity are briefly reviewed in the context of cardiovascular function. Although nitric oxide can hyperpolarize vascular smooth muscle, activation of the endothelium can induce hyperpolarization and vasodilatation by other means. Nitric oxide has important roles in the physiological re..